Hi Steve,

Without actually running the FEA but having looked at very similar criteria for the 20inch RC, I would recommend doing just about what we ended up doing...

Thus using the CF plate on the tube definately!!! Otherwise you are only adhering to the edge of the tube.

Then pick the raduis of the elipse at about the 70% region and use a blob at the thickness of about 0.70 inch diameter...every 120 degrees...three abound the parameter should to the trick...

Start the pattern at the 6 oclock position and have the upper 2 at 120 degrees from that...

Try to stay at under 0.0625 inch thickness and practice on something back plate and plate glass to develope a method of getting the diameter of the silicon about the correct diameter...

If you have further questions, just ask...

Best Regards,

Preston